Good magicians get you to pay attention to what they don't want you to see. God's big, dramatic displays can also cause us to miss the point. Elisha's succession to Elijah amid flaming chariots and horses, and Jesus' transfiguration need our close attention.
In 2 Kings 2, the heroic prophet Elijah's time is almost up. Elijah is on a journey, seemingly trying to ditch his understudy Elisha. Elisha is met by a company of prophets in the towns they visit who know that Elijah's time is almost up, but Elisha shushes them. Finally, the duo step out of normal space and into the area "beyond the Jordan," into the wild, untamed, and sacred.
Elijah asks his disciple what he desires, and Elisha responds. Elijah admits that it's beyond his ability to give, but if Elisha pays close attention and sees his master depart, then the request would be fulfilled.
In a flash, chariots and horses of fire sweep in and Elijah is taken up in a whirlwind. Elisha rends his garment in two in grief at the loss.
So, what was that all about? You were paying close attention, right?
Jesus' transfiguration in Mark 9 is another dramatic moment of divine intervention. Peter tries to be attentive as Jesus is transfigured, joined by Moses and Elijah (yes, they had nametags). However, Peter misses the point, and God has to address them: "This is my Son, the one I love. Listen to him!" And it's done.
On the way down the mountain, Jesus shushes his disciples.
So, what was that all about? You were paying close attention, right?
Check your answers by viewing the sermon video below and note the downloads below the video panel.
In 2 Kings 2, the heroic prophet Elijah's time is almost up. Elijah is on a journey, seemingly trying to ditch his understudy Elisha. Elisha is met by a company of prophets in the towns they visit who know that Elijah's time is almost up, but Elisha shushes them. Finally, the duo step out of normal space and into the area "beyond the Jordan," into the wild, untamed, and sacred.
Elijah asks his disciple what he desires, and Elisha responds. Elijah admits that it's beyond his ability to give, but if Elisha pays close attention and sees his master depart, then the request would be fulfilled.
In a flash, chariots and horses of fire sweep in and Elijah is taken up in a whirlwind. Elisha rends his garment in two in grief at the loss.
So, what was that all about? You were paying close attention, right?
Jesus' transfiguration in Mark 9 is another dramatic moment of divine intervention. Peter tries to be attentive as Jesus is transfigured, joined by Moses and Elijah (yes, they had nametags). However, Peter misses the point, and God has to address them: "This is my Son, the one I love. Listen to him!" And it's done.
On the way down the mountain, Jesus shushes his disciples.
So, what was that all about? You were paying close attention, right?
Check your answers by viewing the sermon video below and note the downloads below the video panel.
| 2-11-18-ff-answers.pdf |
| 02-11-18-please_pay_close_attention.pdf |